If the Lord had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, “My foot is slipping,”
your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:17-19)
Join us each week as we share new prayers for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears, and threats. We will name many of the harms unfolding and acknowledge what is being erased, lost, and threatened.
These prayers are not a replacement for action; they are meant to offer space for grounding and discernment as we seek to bear one another’s burdens in the love and way of Christ.
Join by Zoom each Monday at 11:45 a.m. ET to hear the prayers aloud, in the context of a simple liturgy, prayed by members of the Community of Francis and Clare.
For Federal Workers and Contractors Amid the Shutdown
God of all comfort, who promised through your well-beloved Son to provide for our daily needs, many in this country are fearful as the government shutdown leaves them without pay. We pray for air traffic controllers, scientists, park rangers, and all federal workers who face serious financial insecurity at this time. We give you thanks for the churches, food banks, restaurants, and all who are stepping up to help feed those struggling to make ends meet. God, comfort and strengthen all whose lives and livelihood have been upended and equip our governing authorities to work toward a just and equitable government reopening. We ask this through your Son, our balm and remedy. Amen.
For the Work of COP30 and the Healing of Creation
Creator of all, who calls your people into right relationship with the Earth, we pray for all engaged in the work of international cooperation to confront climate change. As the United Nations 30th climate change conference begins, be present with all who deliberate, and guide them by your spirit of wisdom, goodness, and justice. Prosper the work of negotiation, that nations may find common purpose and courage to act for the sake of your creation. The Earth groans for redemption—strengthen all who labor for the healing of this, our common home. Through Jesus Christ your incarnate Son, who walked this Earth and cared for it with human hands and a loving heart. Amen.
Thanksgiving for Peaceful Elections
O God, our governor, who desires that all your children live in safety, we give you thanks for the recent elections held in peace throughout this nation. Grant that future elections may continue in safety, and that our civic life may be marked by fairness and justice. We pray for those elected this week to public office: Give them wisdom and strength to serve with integrity and compassion. Fill all who govern, and all people of this land, with a love of truth and righteousness for the sake of the common good. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the source of all truth and righteousness. Amen.
